१३६ महात्मा फुले : समग्र वाङ्मय agency of popular knowldege, to redress the defects of the two hundred millions of India, by giving superior education on the superior classes and to them only," ***"We ask the friends of Indian Universities to favour us with a single example of the truth of their theory from the instance which have already fallen within the scope of their experience. They have educated many childeren of wealthy men, and have been the means of advancing very materially the worldly prospects of some of their pupils. But what contribution have these made to the great work of regenerating their fellowmen? How have they begun to act upon the masses? Have any ofthem formed classes at their own homes or elsewhere, for the instruction of their less fortunate or less wise countrymen? Or have they kept their knowledge to themselves, as a personal gift, not to be soiled by contact with the ignorant vulgar ? Have they in any way shown themselves anxious to advance the general interests and repay philanthropy with patriotism? Upon what ground is it asserted that the best way to advance the moral and intellectual welfare of the people is to raise the standard of instruction among the higher classes? A glorious argument this for aristocracy, were it only tenable. To show the growth if the national happiness, it would only be necessary to refer to the number of pupils at the colleges and the lists of academic degrees. Each wrangler would be accounted a national benefactor; and the existence of Deans and Protors would be associated, like the game laws and the tenpound frenchise, with the best interests of the Constitution." Perhaps the most glaring tendency of the Government system of high class education has been the virtual monopoly of all the higher offices under them by the Brahmins. If the welfare of the Ryot is at heart, if it is the duly of Government to check a host of abuses, it behavoes them to narrow this monopoly, day by day, so as to allow a sprinkling of the other castes to get into the public service. Perhaps some might be inclined to say that it is not feasible in the present state of education. Our only reply is that if Government look a little less after higher education and more towards the education of the masses, the former being able to take care of itself, there would be no difficulty in training up a body of men every way qualified and perhaps far better in morals and manners.
